Hawks’ Collins suspended 25 games without pay by NBA

ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins was suspended for 25 games without pay on Tuesday for a violation of the NBA’s Anti-Drug Program after testing positive for a growth hormone.

The NBA announced Collins, 22, tested positive for Peptide-2. He is Atlanta’s leading rebounder and second-leading scorer.

Collins is the third player to be handed 25-game suspensions for drug violations this season.

The NBA announced Thursday night that Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton was suspended after testing positive for a diuretic.

On August 29, the league suspended Brooklyn Nets forward Wilson Chandler for testing positive for Ipamorelin, a drug that increases the release of growth hormone.

The suspensions of Ayton and Chandler also are without pay.

Collins’ suspension begins with Tuesday night’s game against San Antonio.

The 6-foot-9 forward is averaging 17 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.

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